If you wish to be taken seriously, you must be a person of your word. I’m not referring to being trustworthy or doing what you say you will do. Obviously those are important character traits to have.

I’m speaking about not stating things without giving them some thought first.

I really wonder about my students and what they actually know when they make statements like “the film is amazing” or “I’ve got a brilliant idea” or “so and so is a tremendous artist” when the truth is that none of that is true.

The proof is in the pudding and if you tell us the pudding is awesome and then it’s not you’re the one that looks bad.

It’s great to be supportive but when you make statements about the quality of something you should be thoughtful because that statement tells us about your ability to see clearly. It tells us about your own standards and whether or not you have seen enough to even make a judgment about these things. And it reflects poorly on you to accept the 5 stars someone gave you without really wondering if you deserved it.

I’m embarrassed when I see young actors engage in hyperbole like this. They look dumb. They have no idea – simply no idea how they really come across. They don’t take the time to reflect on “do I really believe what I say?” "Did I really deserve the praise being offered?“

Best not to put too much stock in the reviews you get either way; better to just keep doing the work. And best not to throw around grandiose reviews of others’ work – sometimes when you haven’t even seen it – just to make and keep friends.

Actors: Be a person of your word. Be thoughtful. Mean what you say. Otherwise, your words just stop counting.